This survey course will introduce students to historical developments, key figures, and institutions, within the Christian church from a global perspective. Topics such as religious movements, missionary expansion and empire, the development of spiritual practices, saints and mystics, local religious life, etc. will be examined within their historical context. Throughout the course we will reflect on the ways Christians engaged pluralism. We will explore major periods in Christian history centered in Europe and North America, as well as other parts of the world.
The overall aim of this course is to deepen our theological reflection on the Christian narrative, both in faithful touch with the past as well as in radical tension with the present and the future. This course is appropriate for those interested in a basic survey or refresher course. In addition to required reading, students will obtain suggestions for further study.
Instructor: (The Rev. Dr.) Sheryl A. Kujawa-Holbrook, EdD, PhD, is the former dean and now professor of practical theology and Christian histories where she teaches courses in spirituality, history, religious education, and practical theology. She is also professor emerita of Anglican Studies at Bloy House, the Episcopal Theological School at Los Angeles. Kujawa-Holbrook is also the former dean of Episcopal Divinity School (Cambridge, Massachusetts) where she held the Suzanne Radley chair in feminist pastoral theology and church history. The author of numerous books and articles, she is the editor-in-chief of the academic journal, Anglican and Episcopal History, and a priest of the Diocese of Los Angeles.